Not only is Jake Paul set expected to compete in mixed martial arts this year, but the combat sports lightning rod has also purchased ownership shares in the home for his future MMA bouts, the Professional Fighters League.
On Thursday morning, the New York Times broke the news that Jake Paul had purchased an equity share of PFL MMA. However, the 6-0 boxer will not just serve as a promoter and financier for the league. He will also compete for the company as a part of their new pay-per-view Super Fight division.
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In a video posted to his and the PFL’s social media accounts, the 25-year-old revealed details of his new agreement with the PFL, and that fighters on future PPVs will earn 50% of the revenue from those cards.
“I’ve already disrupted boxing and now it’s time to disrupt MMA. I know this is such a tough sport and it’s not going to be easy, but if I could do it in boxing I can do it in MMA. I’m so dedicated to this that I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal. First, we box, then six months later we fight MMA in the PFL smart cage.”
– Jake Paul
What Jake Paul’s signing means for Professional Fighters League
Landing Jake Paul is a massive coup for the Professional Fighters League. While “Problem Child” certainly has his detractors, there is no denying the sizable audience the undefeated boxer brings with him, and his impressive ability to promote himself and the fighters he represents.
Paul has been able to drive a lot of attention to his own bouts in recent years, however, he has also shown the ability to be pretty good at promoting fights for athletes under his MVP fight promotion banner. Which includes landing a Madison Square Garden main event spot for female boxing star Amanda Serrano last year.
- Jake Paul record: 6-0 (4 knockouts)
The PFL has had trouble making a serious dent in the MMA side of combat sports during its first few seasons. The promotion currently broadcasts events on ESPN+, however, they are often overshadowed by industry powerhouse the UFC, which also airs its events on the streaming service.
While there is no guarantee Jake Paul will be able to make the PFL a major competitor to the UFC, he can surely bring an audience the promotion has never had before and put a greater spotlight on the brand by way of his massive social media reach.
What makes the deal all the more intriguing is he had proven to be a freak athlete with his surprising success in boxing and wins over MMA legends like Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva. However, the Ohio native does have a wrestling background, which gives him a leg up in preparation for the sport that features a great deal of grappling.